Key Highlights
- The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have activated two players from their practice squad for the Monday night game against the Detroit Lions.
- Guard Michael Jordan and running back Owen Wright will be eligible to play, addressing concerns in right guard and running back positions due to injuries.
- This move aligns with the NFL’s practice squad elevation rule introduced in 2020, allowing teams two elevations per game.
- Michael Jordan is a veteran player with extensive experience across multiple teams, while Owen Wright is a first-year player re-signed for his second elevation of the season.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Practice Squad Elevations
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have made strategic moves to strengthen their roster for their upcoming Monday night game against the Detroit Lions. In Week Seven, the team has elevated two players from their practice squad: guard Michael Jordan and running back Owen Wright.
Addressing Team Shortages
Both elevations were necessary due to injuries that left critical positions short-handed. Guard Luke Haggard, who had started the previous four games at right guard, is inactive with a shoulder injury. This led the team to consider options like second-year man Elijah Klein or Michael Jordan for the starting lineup.
Michael Jordan, a fourth-round draft pick of the Cincinnati Bengals in 2019, brings significant experience to the table having played for multiple teams including the Buccaneers, Carolina Panthers, and New England Patriots. He has started 42 games in his career and appeared in a total of 69 games.
Boosting the Running Back Corps
The running back position was also thin due to injuries to Bucky Irving (foot/shoulder) and Josh Williams (concussion). The elevation of Owen Wright provides additional depth, joining Rachaad White and Sean Tucker as options in the backfield. Wright was Tampa Bay’s leading rusher during the preseason, showcasing his potential with 25 carries for 100 yards and four receptions for 12 yards.
Wright originally signed with the Buccaneers on July 31 but was waived before the final roster cuts in late August, only to be re-signed this past Wednesday. His recent performance earned him a spot on the active roster for Monday’s game.
The Practice Squad Elevation Rule
Practice squad elevations are part of the NFL’s strategic rule introduced in 2020, allowing teams to activate up to two practice squad players per game. This flexibility helps teams manage injuries and depth issues more effectively without expanding their active roster beyond 53 players.
Michael Jordan’s third elevation this season will be his final one, while Owen Wright has used his second option. The rule permits a player to be elevated up to three times during the regular season and an unlimited number of times in the postseason.
The Future Implications
For teams like the Buccaneers, practice squad elevations can serve as valuable tools for addressing short-term injuries or providing additional depth. However, they come with specific limitations and must be managed strategically to maintain roster flexibility throughout the season.
As the NFL continues to evolve, such rules help balance the needs of player management against maintaining competitive parity across teams. This move by the Buccaneers highlights how these provisions can impact game outcomes and team strategies in high-stakes Monday night matchups like their upcoming contest with the Detroit Lions.
